24 photos that show why Michelle Obama will be remembered as the most stylish first lady of all time

President Barack Obama with his wife, Michelle, in 2014. Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images Whether she likes it or not, a first lady's style is put under the microscope from the inauguration ceremony onward.

First lady Michelle Obama has exuded grace and elegance with her style choices no matter the event.

While she's been applauded for rocking affordable clothing from stores like J.Crew and H&M, she really shines at formal events. From state dinners to State of the Union addresses, here are Michelle's 24 best looks from the past eight years.

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At the Southern Inaugural Ball on January 21, 2009, in Washington, DC, Michelle wore a dress designed by Jason Wu, who did not know that Michelle had chosen his design to wear. Wu designed the dress to symbolize hope; its organza flowers are adorned with Swarovski crystals.

Michelle wore this silver patterned dress by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan during a state dinner at the White House in 2009. The dinner was hosted in honor of Dr. Manmohan Singh, who at that time was the prime minister of India.

Pete Souza/Official White House Photo

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Michelle wore a gorgeous red dress at the Annual Alfalfa Dinner at the Capital Hilton Hotel in 2009.

Pete Souza/Official White House Photo

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At her first State of the Union address as first lady in 2010, Michelle wore a plum-colored dress by designer Isaac Mizrahi.

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

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At the 2010 state dinner for Mexico, Michelle wore a royal blue dress designed by Peter Soronen.

Gary Fabiano-Pool/Getty Images

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At the 2010 White House Correspondents' Dinner Michelle gracefully entered in a red dress by Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung.